Westchester County's Winter Wonderland Set To Open For Season

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza has returned to Kensico Dam Plaza.

Presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network, the magic of the holidays is bigger and better than ever with thousands of more lights, magical holiday animations and a live Santa, according to organizers.

Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25th, the festive celebration will take place for five consecutive weeks through Jan. 1. The event will be open on select nights starting at 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 5 p.m. on weekends. End times will vary per night. Reservations are required to avoid additional surcharges. Tickets are $25 per vehicle on weekdays and $35 per vehicle on weekends. There is an additional cost for large passenger vans/limos, so call for special reservations.

Guests will be dazzled and delighted along the 1.2 miles of holiday lights by several new additions for 2022 including: a new North Pole and live Santa display; a breathtaking Kaleidoscope Corridor; a cheerful snowman caroling corner; an expanded Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels; and more electrifying lights surrounding the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester.

And for the grand finale, guests will be able to make their New Year’s wish upon a new 30-foot glistening star that will be featured at the end of the interactive show, all right from the warmth and safety of your own car.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said he was excited to welcome everyone back to another dazzling year of the Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza.

"Westchester Parks Foundation along with the Westchester County Parks Department have done an incredible job of reimagining the event year after year, giving visitors a spectacular experience," he said, "and I can’t wait to see what they have in store this year."

Con Edison also returns as a Platinum Sponsor of the Event, helping to light up the sky at Kensico Dam Plaza for all to enjoy. Holiday classics will be simulcast through your vehicle’s FM radio, setting the mood from the moment you enter the park. Guests should allow 25 to 30 minutes to drive through the attraction. Additional attractions include Fireside Forest, Winter Winds Way, Dove Drive, Christmas Tree Plaza with two 30-foot snowflakes, Land of Packages, Magical Woods, Elf Disco and the 100-foot tunnel with swirling colors that will transport you into the holiday season.

When purchasing tickets, guests will have the option to donate additional funds to the Westchester Parks Foundation to help expand its Camp Morty program for disenfranchised youth along with Westchester Medical Center Health Network Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

Wegmans is returning as sponsor of the snack boxes, which will be available to enjoy for $15 extra along the ride. Be sure to check the box when purchasing your ticket because they will not be available for purchase on site.

The lighting masterpiece is designed by Peekskill-based Electric Precision and Dark Tech Effects.

Special event nights will include the official tree-lighting celebration on Nov. 25 sponsored by Robison and a family-friendly festive way to ring in the New Year at Winter Wonderland sponsored by M&T Bank. Iona Preparatory School PK-12 in New Rochelle is also returning as the official music sponsor for the event.

For complete information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.